Pep Guardiola makes Rodri pledge as Manchester City boss gives update on player

It is anticipated that the Premier League champions will be without their midfielder for an extended period.

Pep Guardiola has maintained that it is his “obligation” to identify a successor for Rodri, who has been rendered ineligible due to a long-term injury.

The midfielder may be sidelined for the remainder of the season following a severe knee injury sustained during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

Guardiola disclosed his intentions regarding his successor to the Spaniard subsequent to City’s 2-1 victory over Watford in the Carabao Cup’s fourth round.

“When you are without the best midfielder in the world for a long time it is a big blow,” according to him.

“However, it is my responsibility to identify a resolution.”

“When a player is irreplaceable, we have to do it as a team.”

Additionally, he stated, “We do not possess the definitive information.” He will be absent for an extended period of time; however, there are some who believe that it may be shorter than anticipated.

Regrettably, he sustained an injury. I am unable to provide you with an exact time frame at this time, as we are awaiting the final phone calls from him and the physicians to determine the exact nature of his condition and the type of surgery he requires.

After scoring his first goal for City in the 2-1 victory over Watford on Tuesday, Matheus Nunes advocated for his inclusion.

Ilkay Gundogan’s significance to the team will only grow in Rodri’s absence, following his return from Barcelona last month.

As a consequence, Mateo Kovacic can anticipate receiving additional playing time, while James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly, who are still in their formative years, may also experience an increase in playing time.

The sole consolation for City this season is that they have become accustomed to playing without Rodri and have succeeded as a result.

The 28-year-old was gradually introduced to the Premier League after Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, and he only made his debut against Arsenal in the first game of the campaign.